New Zealand Population 2016

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﻿New Zealand's current population is estimated at just over 4.7 million in 2016. This figure comes from New Zealand's official population clock. The most recent census was held in 2013, when the total population was counted as 4,242,048.

New Zealand Population Growth

Like its neighbour Australia, New Zealand publishes its own online population clock and in late 2016, the estimated figure is shown as 4,723,562. Government statistics draw on their estimated levels of natural growth, and are slightly higher than the UN's estimates, which have estimated New Zealand's 2016 population at 4,565,185.

The New Zealand population clock projects from the June 2016 estimated population using the following factors:

One birth every nine minutes

One death every fifteen minutes

One net migration gain every six minutes and twenty nine seconds

New Zealand was actually losing citizens to migration as recently as 2012, but now has a significant positive net migration. This, coupled with the difference between births and deaths, contributes to a healthy rise in population that is expected to continue throughout the 21st century.

New Zealand Census

The most recent New Zealand census was taken in 2013. This census counted 4,242,048 people, up from 4,027,947 in 2006. This represents a 5.3% gain in the 7 years between censuses. The census is usually held every five years, but in 2011 New Zealand suffered from a major earthquake, which pushed the 2011 census back to 2013. The next census is scheduled to be taken in 2018.

New Zealand Demographics

As far as demographics are concerned, the indigenous Maoris were overtaken in terms of numbers by European settlers as early as the 19th century. The 2013 census revealed that of the total population of over 4 million, 74% of citizens declared themselves to be of European descent. Maoris made up for 14.9% with those of Asian ethnicity contributing another 11.8%.

How Many People Live in New Zealand ?

New Zealand Population Growth

New Zealand continues to rise in population, although at a slower rate than in years past. By the end of the century, the population is estimated to level off around a peak of just over 6 million. Of course, with estimates so far into the future, changes in fertility rates or migration could dramatically alter these projections.

The current UN estimates have the population surpassing the 5 million person plateau towards the end of the next decade.